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15 August 2011

15 AUG 2011

President calls for preservation of authority and credibility of Parliament
Aug 15,  8:53 AM


The President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has asserted that there should be no effort consciously or otherwise to erode the authority or credibility of institutions like the Parliament. She called for channelising different shades of public opinion through elected representatives for the formulation of necessary legislation. Addressing the Nation on the eve of 65th Independence Day, President Patil pointed out that any legislation passed by Parliament is an outcome of the collective thinking of members who represent people from all parts of the country and a broad spectrum of political thought.

Expressing anguish that corruption is affecting the nation’s political, economic, cultural and social life, Mrs Patil called for a transparent and accountable system at all levels to curb the menace in a sustainable manner.

Expressing concern over price rise, Mrs Patil said that efforts must be made to find ways and means to soften the impact of inflation, so that the benefits of growth are not blunted.

Pointing out that the majority of population in rural areas is dependent on agriculture; she regretted that agriculture sector is yet to reach full potential. She called for greater use of technology and knowledge support to enhance agricultural productivity.


PM calls for confronting corruption on all fronts
Aug 15,  11:0 AM

The nation is celebrating 65th Independence Day today with the Prime Minister giving a clarion call for confronting corruption on all fronts. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort after unfurling the tricolour this morning, Dr. Manmohan Singh reaffirmed government's commitment for a strong Lokpal to prevent corruption in high places. But, he made it clear that resorting to hunger strikes and fast unto death will not help. Top priority to deal with inflation, a transparent law on Land Acquisition, strict vigilance against terrorism and extremism and an education commission are the other highlights of the Prime Minister's speech.
Dealing at length on corruption, Dr. Singh said, no single big step will be able to deal with the menace.
There is need for improving justice delivery system to tackle the menace and a Judicial Accountability Bill has been introduced in Parliament for this. A Public Procurement Legislation is also on the anvil to check corruption in government purchases.
Sharing the concern over the issue, the Prime Minister said while considering the matter an atmosphere should not be created to bring the country's progress into question. Calling for understanding and restraint, Dr. Singh said that the security and integrity of the country will get affected otherwise. One should rise against personal and political interests and build consensus on issues of national importance. Dr. Singh referred to the differences of opinion on the Lokpal Bill and said that those who do not agree with the Bill can put forward their views to Parliament, political parties and the media. But he said only Parliament can decide what type of Lokpal legislation should be enacted. He felt it inappropriate to bring judiciary under the ambit of Lokpal as it would erode its independence.

He, however, said there is a need for a framework in which the judiciary becomes more accountable. And with this aim a Judicial Accountability Bill has been introduced in the Parliament. He said there is a need to improve justice delivery system to punish the corrupt quickly. Saying there is no magic wand to eradicate corruption, he wanted all political parties to stand shoulder to shoulder to fight the menace. The Prime Minister exuded confidence that the fight against corruption will be won only when every citizens cooperate in the battle.
Referring to high inflation, the Prime Minister said the steep hike of the price of petroleum products; food-grains and edible oil in the international markets give rise to inflationary pressure in the country. Though inflation was controlled many times, it has not proved lasting. Dr. Singh assured the nation that the government gives top most priority to arrest rising prices and will continue to monitor the situation to come up with new steps to tackle the problem.
On tension witnessed in some parts of the country over land acquisition for industry, infrastructure and urbanisation, Dr. Singh said though the acquisition is necessary for projects of public interest it should take place in a transparent and fair manner. The interest of those whose livelihood is dependent on the land should be protected.
It should be ensured that no injustice is done to anyone in the process. He said the government wants to replace the 117 year old Land Acquisition law by a new legislation and the draft bill is already prepared and soon it could be introduced in the Parliament.

Calling for second green revolution in agriculture, the Prime Minister said food-grain production went up because of the hard work of the farmers and there is need to implement a Food Security law to step up the output. He assured the farmers that the government will continue to take care of their special needs including easy access to fertilizers, seeds and credit.
Turning to terrorism, Dr. Singh called for fighting the menace jointly by the Central and State governments and common man. He said last month's terrorist attacks in Mumbai have warned that there cannot be any slip in the vigilance. He said the intelligence and security agencies are being steadily strengthened and the process will continue in future. Dr. Manmohan Singh gave an assurance that all possible steps will be taken to overcome the challenge of Naxalism and to eradicate the root cause of the menace.

He said a new scheme for the accelerated development of 60 backward and tribal dominated districts have been started with an outlay of 3300 crore rupees.
Recalling the seven years of his government's performance in sustaining the progress of the nation, the Prime Minister said a lot has been done but more needs to be achieved. People have high aspirations and the young men and women are striving for path breaking achievements. Their energy and enthusiasm should be channelised into nation building activities. The industry should have the opportunity to come up with the new units for productive employment. He warned against climate changes and promised to come up with a monitoring authority to streamline environment clearances to the industry.
The Prime Minister said that the government will focus on health and education, a slum free environment and removal of malnutrition. Dr. Singh said the government has decided to appoint a commission to make recommendations for improvement at all levels of education.
Concluding his speech, he said one must have faith in the democracy, institutions and social ideals and values and above all in oneself. He called upon the people to resolve to build a bright future for the nation.
Earlier, the Prime Minister paid homage at Rajghat, the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. Elaborated security arrangement was made in the capital with armed security personnel manning Delhi streets to prevent any untoward incidents. 
 
Celebrations of Independence Day across the nation
Aug 15,  9:20 AM


Independence Day is being celebrated across the country. In Punjab, state level Independence Day function is being held at Amritsar, where Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal will unfurl the national flag. The government will honour 37 persons for their outstanding performance in the fields of bravery, social work, art and culture.

In Haryana, Independence Day functions are being organised at district, tehsil and block headquarters. People have gathered in large numbers to celebrate this historic day.

Madhya Pradesh government has organised a function in Bhopal to celebrate the platinum jubilee of Indian Hockey team's victory over Germany in Berlin Olympic. It was on this day in 1936 that Indian Hockey team crushed Germany 8-1 to win Gold medal in Berlin Olympic.
In Srinagar, the main function will be held at Bakshi Stadium where the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will unfurl the national flag and take salute on the march past.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made throughout the country. The Union Home Ministry has issued a country-wide alert asking states to tighten security at sensitive locations and installations to thwart any attempt of terror strike.
 

समाचार News 15.08.2011

१५/०८/२०११
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समाचार प्रभात
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मुख्य समाचार :-
  • प्रधानमंत्री ने सभी मोचोर्ं पर भ्रष्टाचार से निपटने का आह्‌वान किया, कहा, सरकार मजबूत लोकपाल के पक्ष में, लेकिन भूख हड़ताल और अनशन से इस मामले में कोई मदद नहीं मिल सकती।
  • डॉक्टर मनमोहन सिंह ने ६५वें स्वाधीनता दिवस पर राष्ट्र को संबोधित करते हुए कहा कि बढ़ती मुद्रास्फीति से निपटना सरकार की सर्वोच्च प्राथमिकता। भूमि अधिग्रहण की प्रक्रिया में पारदर्शी प्रशासन और निष्पक्षता पर जोर दिया। आतंकवाद के खिलाफ कड़ी चौकसी और नक्सलवाद के कारणों को दूर करने का वायदा किया।
  • सभी राज्यों में स्वाधीनता दिवस समारोहों का आयोजन।
  • स्वतंत्रता दिवस की पूर्व संध्या पर राष्ट्र को संबोधित करते हुए राष्ट्रपति प्रतिभा देवी सिंह पाटील ने संसद जैसी संस्थाओं की विश्वसनीयता और सर्वोच्चता बनाए रखने को कहा।
  • नेपाल के प्रधानमंत्री झलनाथ खनाल ने सर्व सम्मति वाली सरकार बनाने का रास्ता साफ करने के लिए इस्तीफा दिया।
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 प्रधानमंत्री ने सभी मोर्चों पर भ्रष्टाचार से लड़ने का आह्‌वान किया है। उन्होंने कहा है कि किसी एक बड़े कदम से इस समस्या से नहीं निपटा जा सकता। ६५ वें स्वाधीनता दिवस पर आज लालकिले के प्राचीर से देश को सम्बोधित करते हुए डॉक्टर मनमोहन सिंह ने कहा कि सरकार, उच्च पदों पर भ्रष्टाचार रोकने के लिए एक मजबूत लोकपाल लाने के पक्ष में है। लेकिन प्रधानमंत्री ने यह स्पष्ट किया कि भूख हड़ताल और अनशन इस मामले में कोई मदद नहीं करेंगे।

 डॉक्टर मनमोहन सिंह ने कहा कि भ्रष्टाचार से निपटने के लिए एक सम्पूर्ण नीति, समय की आवश्यकता है। उन्होंने न्याय व्यवस्था में सुधार की आवश्यकता पर बल दिया। उन्होंने कहा कि न्यायपालिका की जवाबदेही के बारे में एक विधेयक संसद में प्रस्तुत किया गया है। विभिन्न प्रकार की सरकारी खरीद के दौरान भ्रष्टाचार रोकने लिए एक सार्वजनिक खरीद विधेयक भी तैयार किया जा रहा है।
 डॉक्टर मनमोहन सिंह ने लोकपाल विधेयक पर मतभेदों का जि+क्र करते हुए कहा कि जो लोग इस विधेयक से सहमत नहीं हैं वे अपने विचार संसद, राजनीतिक दलों और मीडिया तक पहुंचा सकते हैं। उन्होंने कहा कि न्यायपालिका को लोकपाल के अन्तर्गत लाना उचित नहीं होगा क्योंकि इससे न्यायपालिका की स्वतंत्रता पर असर पड़ेगा। लेकिन प्रधानमंत्री ने कहा कि एक ऐसा ढांचा बनाए जाने की ज+रूरत है जिसमें न्यायपालिका और जवाबदेह बने। यही, संसद में प्रस्तुत न्यायपालिका जवाबदेही विधेयक का उद्देश्य है।
 उन्होंने कहा कि न्याय व्यवस्था में सुधार की आवश्यकता है ताकि भ्रष्ट लोगों को जल्दी से सज+ा मिल सके।  उन्होंने कहा कि भ्रष्टाचार मिटाने के लिए कोई जादू की छड़ी नहीं है। उन्होंने सभी राजनीतिक दलों से कहा कि वे इस खतरे से निपटने के लिए कंधे से कंधा मिलाकर खड़े हों।

 ऊंची मुद्रास्फीति का जि+क्र करते हुए प्रधानमंत्री ने कहा कि विश्व के बाजारों में पैट्रोलियम उत्पादों, अनाज और खाद्य तेल के मूल्यों में ज+बर्दस्त वृद्धि से भारत में भी मुद्रास्फीति का दबाव बढ़ा। डॉक्टर मनमोहन सिंह ने देश को विश्वास दिलाया कि बढ़ती हुई कीमतों से निपटना सरकार की उच्च प्राथमिकता है। सरकार इस बारे में नए कदम उठाएगी और इस स्थिति पर लगातार नज+र रखेगी।

 उद्योगों, बुनियादी सुविधाओं और शहरीकरण के लिए देश के कुछ भागों में ली गयी ज+मीन के कारण बने तनाव का जि+क्र करते हुए डॉक्टर मनमोहन सिंह ने कहा कि जनहित की परियोजनाओं के लिए भूमि अधिग्रहण आवश्यक है लेकिन यह काम उचित और पारदर्शी तरीके से किया जाना चाहिए। जिन लोगों की जीविका भूमि पर निर्भर करती है उनके हितों की भी रक्षा की जानी चाहिए।

 प्रधानमंत्री ने बताया कि सरकार ११७ वर्ष पुराने भूमि अधिग्रहण कानून के स्थान पर नया विधेयक लाना चाहती है। इस विधेयक का मसौदा तैयार है और इसे जल्दी ही संसद में रखा जाएगा।
 दूसरी हरित क्रांति का आह्‌वान करते हुए प्रधानमंत्री ने कहा कि किसान की कड़ी मेहनत के कारण ही खेती की पैदावार बढ़ी। इसके लाभ और बढ़ाने के लिए अब खाद्य सुरक्षा अधिनियम लागू करने की आवश्यकता है।
 आतंकवाद का जि+क्र करते हुए डॉक्टर मनमोहन सिंह ने बताया कि गुप्तचर और सुरक्षा एजेंसियों को मजबूत किया जा रहा है और यह प्रक्रिया भविष्य में भी जारी रहेगी। डॉक्टर मनमोहन सिंह ने आश्वासन दिया कि नक्सलवाद की चुनौती और इस समस्या की जड़ से निपटने के लिए सभी संभव कदम उठाए जाएंगे।

  पिछले महीने मुम्बई में जो दहशतगर्दी की वारदाते हुई वो हमें आगाह करती हैं कि आतंकवाद के खिलाफ लड़ाई के लिए हमारी निगरानी में कोई कमी नहीं आनी चाहिए। हम आतंकवाद से निपटने के लिए अपनी इंटेलीजेंस और सुरक्षा एजेसींज को लगातार मजबूत करते रहे हैं और आगे भी करते रहेंगे। नक्सलवाद की समस्या से निपटने के लिए भी हम हर मुमकिन कोशिश कर रहे हैं।
 डॉ मनमोहन सिंह ने बताया कि साठ पिछड़े और आदिवासी बहुल जिलों के त्वरित विकास के लिए तीन हजार तीन सौ करोड़ रूपये की एक नई योजना शुरू की गई है।
 देश की प्रगति बनाए रखने में अपनी सरकार के सात वर्षों की उपलब्धियों का जि+क्र करते हुए प्रधानमंत्री ने कहा कि बहुत कुछ किया जा चुका है लेकिन अभी बहुत कुछ करने की ज+रूरत है। उन्होंने देश के सभी नागरिकों का आह्‌वान किया कि वे देश के उज्ज्वल भविष्य के निर्माण का संकल्प लें।
 देश भर में स्वाधीनता दिवस समारोहों का आयोजन किया जा रहा है। श्रीनगर में मुख्य समारोह बक्शी स्टेडियम में होगा जहां मुख्यमंत्री उमर अब्दुल्ला राष्ट्रीय ध्वज फहरायेंगे और मार्च पास्ट की सलामी लेंगे। हमारे संवाददाता ने खबर दी है कि समूचे राज्य में कड़ी सुरक्षा बरती जा रही है और राष्ट्र विरोधी तत्वों की गतिविधियों पर कड़ी नजर रखी जा रही है।
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 स्वतंत्रता दिवस की पूर्व सन्ध्या पर राष्ट्रपति प्रतिभा देवीसिंह पाटील ने राष्ट्र को संबोधित किया। उन्होंने कहा कि संसद जैसी संस्थाओं की विश्वसनीयता और सर्वोच्चता कम करने के लिए जानबूझकर या अन्य प्रकार से कोई प्रयास नहीं किया जाना चाहिए। श्रीमती पाटील ने कहा कि संसद, देश के सभी क्षेत्रों के लोगों तथा विभिन्न राजनीतिक विचारधाराओं का प्रतिनिधित्व करती है और इसके द्वारा बनाये गये कानून सामूहिक विचार-विमर्श और गंभीर चिंतन के परिणाम होते हैं।  श्रीमती पाटील ने कहा कि ंजनता की राय व्यक्त करने के लिये लोगों में चर्चा और बहस होनी चाहिए।

हमारे देश के संसद द्वारा कई मौलिक कानून बनाए गए हैं। नए कानून भी विधायिकाओं द्वारा बनाए जाएंगे। जनता की राय प्रकट करने के लिए लोगों के बीच विचार-विमर्श  चर्चा तथा संवाद हो। यह सच्चे लोकतंत्र के लिए जरूरी है।
 राष्ट्रपति ने भ्रष्टाचार पर स्थायी रूप से रोक लगाने के लिए सभी स्तरों पर पारदर्शी और जवाबदेह प्रणाली स्थापित करने का आह्‌वान किया। श्रीमती पाटील ने कहा कि इसके लिए संसद, न्यायपालिका और समाज को साथ मिलकर काम करना होगा।
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 नेपाल के प्रधानमंत्री झलनाथ खनाल ने इस्तीफा दे दिया है। उन्होंने अपना इस्तीफा कल शाम राष्ट्रपति डॉक्टर राम बरन यादव को सौंप दिया। अपने त्यागपत्र में श्री खनाल ने कहा कि उन्होंने सर्वसम्मति वाली सरकार बनाने और शांति प्रक्रिया तथा संविधान का मसौदा तैयार करने का काम आगे बढ़ाने के लिए इस्तीफा दिया है। श्री खनाल की पार्टी ीपीएन-यूएमएल ने उनके निर्णय का समर्थन किया है। श्री खनाल आज संसद को सम्बोधित करेंगे।
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  हिन्दी फिल्मों के सुप्रसिद्ध अभिनेता शम्मी कपूर का अंतिम संस्कार आज किया जाएगा। उनका कल सवेरे मुम्बई में देहांत हो गया था।
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  देश के पश्चिमोत्तर हिस्सों में मानसून जोर पकड़ गया है। उत्तर प्रदेश में बारिश के कारण हुए हादसों में कम से कम १४ लोग मारे गये है। राज्य के कई गांव बाढ़ की चपेट में है।
  पश्चिम बंगाल में मौसम साफ होने से बाढ़ की स्थिति में सुधार हो रहा है।
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समाचार पत्रों से 

 स्वतंत्रता दिवस की पूर्व संध्या पर राष्ट्रपति श्रीमती प्रतिभा देवी सिंह पाटील के राष्ट्र के नाम संबोधन से जुड़ी खबरों को जनसत्ता, पंजाब केसरी और देशबंधु ने महत्व दिया है।
 तिहाड़ में बंद ५० से ज्यादा कैदियों को आज मिलेगी आजादी, ये खबर आज नवभारत टाइम्स में छपी है। पत्र लिखता है कि हर साल की तरह इस बार भी १५ अगस्त के अवसर पर तिहाड़ जेल में बंद कैदियों को सजा में छूट दी जाएगी। छूट का फायदा इस बार दो हजार कैदियों को मिलेगा और इससे पचास के अधिक कैदी सलाखों से बाहर भी आ जाएंगे।
 अपनी जिंदादिली और याहू छवि के कारण लोगों के दिलों पर राज करने वाले हरफनमौला अभिनेता शम्मी कपूर के निधन की खबर भी आज के तमाम अखबारों की सुर्खियों में है। हिन्दुस्तान का कहना है-तुमसा कोई नहीं दिखेगा,  अलविदा शम्मी। नई दुनिया के अनुसार- प्यार का सबक सिखाकर चला गया आसमान से आया फरिश्ता।
 भारत में प्रत्यक्ष विदेशी निवेश की दीवार लांघने को चीन तैयार, वित्त वर्ष २०१०-११ में वो भारत का सबसे बड़ा व्यापारिक साझेदार बन गया- ये खबर इकनॉमिक टाइम्स के पहले पृष्ठ पर बॉक्स में है।
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15 August, 2011
THE HEADLINES:
  • The Prime Minister has called for fighting corruption on all fronts; Dr. Manmohan Singh says, Government is for a strong Lokpal but resorting to hunger strike over the issue will not help.
  • In his address to the nation on the 65th Independence Day, Dr Singh asserts that finding a solution to check inflation is a top priority; Says, land acquisition must be transparent and fair; promises strict vigilance against terrorism and to eradicate the reasons that give rise to naxalism.
  • Celebration of Independence Day across the nation.
  • President Pratibha Devisingh Patil calls for preservation of authority and credibility of institutions like Parliament.
  • Nepal Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal resigns to pave the way for a consensus government.
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The Prime Minister has called for confronting corruption on all fronts and said no single big step will be able to deal with the menace. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 65th Independence Day today, Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the government is for a strong Lokpal to prevent corruption in high places, but made it clear that resorting to hunger strikes and fasts unto death will not help.
We want a strong Lokpal to prevent corruption in high places. We have recently introduced a Bill in Parliament to achieve this. Now only Parliament can decide what type of Lokpal legislation should be enacted. I am aware of the differences of opinion on some aspects of the Bill. Those who don't agree with this Bill can put forward their views to Parliament , political parties and even the press. However. I also believe that they should not resort to hunger strikes and fasts unto death.
Dr. Singh said, to deal with the menace of corruption, a holistic policy is the need of the hour and stressed the need to improve the justice delivery system. A Judicial Accountability Bill has been introduced in Parliament and a Public Procurement Legislation is on the anvil to check corruption in government purchases. Top priority to deal with inflation, a transparent law on Land Acquisition, strict vigilance against terrorism and extremism and an education commission are the other highlights of the Prime Minister's speech. Dealing at length on the issue of corruption, the Prime Minister shared the concern over the matter and said while considering these issues an atmosphere should not be created to bring the country's progress into question. Calling for understanding and restraint, Dr. Singh said that the security and integrity of the country will get affected otherwise. This is the time to rise above one's personal and political interests and build a consensus on issues of national importance. Dr. Singh felt it inappropriate to bring judiciary under the ambit of the Lokpal as it would erode its independence. However, there is a need for a framework in which the judiciary becomes more accountable. And with this aim a judicial accountability bill has been introduced in Parliament. He said there is need to improve the justice delivery system to punish the corrupt quickly. Dr. Singh said there is no magic wand to eradicate corruption and wanted all political parties to stand shoulder to shoulder to fight the menace. The Prime Minister exuded confidence that the fight against corruption will be won only when every citizens cooperates in the battle. Referring to high inflation, the Prime Minister said the steep hike of the price of petroleum products, food-grains and edible oil in the international markets give rise to inflationary pressure in the country. Though inflation was controlled many times, it has not proved lasting. Dr. Singh assured the nation that the government gives top most priority to arrest rising prices and will continue to monitor the situation to come up with new steps to tackle the problem.
Our country is passing through a phase of sustained high inflation. Controlling rising prices is a primary responsibility of any government. Our government fully understands this responsibility. We have continuously taken steps to rein in prices. We are continuously monitoring the situation to find out what new steps can be taken to arrest rising prices. Finding a solution to this problem will be our topmost priority in the coming months.
On tension witnessed in some parts of the country over land acquisition for industry, infrastructure and urbanisation, Dr. Singh said though the acquisition is necessary for projects of public interest it should take place in a transparent and fair manner. The interest of those whose livelihood is dependent on the land should be protected. It should be ensured that no injustice is done to anyone in the process.
We will ensure that no injustice is done to anyone in the process of land acquisition. Our government wants to replace the 117 year old land acquisition law by a new Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation law which is forward looking and balanced. We have already prepared a draft legislation and have initiated steps to build consensus on it. We will soon introduce a Bill in Parliament to this end.
Calling for second green revolution in agriculture, the Prime Minister said food-grain production went up because of the hard work of farmers and there is need to implement a Food Security law to step up the output. He assured farmers that the government will continue to take care of their special needs including easy access to fertilizers, seeds and credit. Turning to terrorism, Dr. Singh called for fighting the menace jointly by the Central and State governments and the common man. He said that the intelligence and security agencies are being steadily strengthened and the process will continue in the future. Dr. Manmohan Singh gave an assurance that all possible steps will be taken to overcome the challenge of naxalism and to eradicate the reasons which give rise to the problem. He said a new scheme for the accelerated development of 60 backward and tribal dominated districts have been started with an outlay of 3300 crore rupees. Recalling the seven years of his government's performance in sustaining the progress of the nation, the Prime Minister said that the people have high aspirations and the young men and women are striving for path breaking achievements. Their energy and enthusiasm should be channelised into nation building activities. The industry should have the opportunity to come up with the new units for productive employment. He warned against climate changes and promised to come up with a monitoring authority to streamline environment clearances to the industry. Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister said that the government will focus on health and education, a slum free environment and removal of malnutrition. Dr. Singh said that one must have faith in the democracy, institutions and social ideals and values and above all in oneself. He called upon the people to resolve to build a bright future for the nation. Our correspondent reports despite morning drizzle in Delhi, a large number of people turned up at the historic Red Fort to listen to Prime Minister.
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Elaborate security arrangements have been made throughout the country. The Union Home Ministry has issued a country-wide alert asking the states to tighten security at sensitive locations and installations to thwart any attempt of a terror strike.
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Reports of celebrations are coming from across the country. In Punjab, a state level Independence Day function is being held at Amritsar, where Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal will unfurl the national flag. The government will honour 37 persons for their outstanding performance in the fields of bravery, social work, art and culture. In Haryana, Independence Day functions are being organised at district, tehsil and block headquarters. People have gathered in large numbers to celebrate this historic day. The Madhya Pradesh government has organised a function in Bhopal to celebrate the platinum jubilee of the Indian Hockey team's victory over Germany in the Berlin Olympic. It was on this day in 1936 that Indian Hockey team crushed Germany 8-1 to win a gold medal in the Berlin Olympics.
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The President Mrs Pratibha Devi Singh Patil has asserted that there should be no effort consciously or otherwise to erode the authority or credibility of institutions like the Parliament. She called for channelising different shades of public opinion through elected representatives for the formulation of necessary legislation. Addressing the Nation on the eve of its 65th Independence Day, Mrs Patil pointed out that any legislation passed by Parliament is an outcome of the collective thinking of members who represent people from all parts of the country and a broad spectrum of political thought. Expressing anguish that corruption is affecting the nation’s political, economic, cultural and social life, Mrs Patil called for a transparent and accountable system at all levels to curb the menace in a sustainable manner.
It would require preventive and punitive measures, as well as adoption of rational approaches as we pursue the anti -corruption agenda.
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Altogether 930 police personnel have been decorated with gallantry and other service medals on the occasion of Independence Day this year.
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Nepal’s Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal has resigned. He tendered his resignation to President Ram Baran Yadav last evening. In his resignation letter, Mr Khanal said he has resigned to pave the way for formation of a consensus government, moving the peace process forward and to facilitate constitution drafting. His party CPN-UML has supported the move. Our correspondent reports that Mr Khanal will address the Parliament today.
For Mr. Jhala Nath Khanal it has been a rough six month ride. He had become the Prime minister with the support of the Maoist after a deal with but it took him more than two months to give shape to his cabinet due to pressure from his ally. He had come in from pressure from within his own party as soon as the deal became public and continued throughout . The jostling for the government has begun with both the Nepali Congress and Maoist saying that they will lead the next government.Jane Namchu, AIR News, Kathmandu.
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The News Services Division of All India Radio in its weekly "PUBLIC SPEAK" programme will bring you a discussion tonight on "THE RIGHT OF STUDENTS FOR HAVING ACCESS TO THE EVALUATED ANSWER SHEETS". This can be heard on FM Gold Channel and on additional frequencies from 9.30 PM. Listeners can questions the experts sitting in our studios on telephone number 2331-4444. This programme is also available on Doordarshan DTH.
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NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES
Papers this morning are replete with messages for readers wishing them a 'Happy Independence Day'. The Times of India has released a copy of the actual paper that was published - on Friday, August 15, 1947, which makes for interesting reading; "Birth of India's freedom.... Nation wakes to new life.... Pandit Nehru to be premier"..... can be read as the headlines of this paper on this historic day.
The Hindustan Times writes - 'A survey done by the paper across 12 cities and of people between 16 to 25 years of age establishes that today's youth is patriotic and responsible, with 77 percent respondents saying they value Freedom over any materialistic possession.
On its central page the Hindu has published an article on "Rare documents on Bhagat Singh's trial and life in Jail ", and records with the Supreme Court revealing inspiring facets of the revolutionary. It has also publicized letters written by Bhagat Singh to British authorities showing his amazing command over the English language, his knowledge of legal terminology and his beautiful handwriting.
The face - off between the UPA Govt. and social activists led by Anna Hazare, is given top prominence on the front pages. The Indian Express writes, "Govt., Congress target 'Corrupt' Anna". "Government trying its best to muzzle Anna", headlines the Pioneer. The Hindustan Times writes, "Hazare challenging Parliament's powers, Congress slams credentials as anti - graft campaigner".
And The Economic Times says, small - town entrepreneurs are making use of Facebook to increase trade and make Bharat richer.
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